| |
GB2RS > NEWS 08.06.07 19:25l 375 Lines 14550 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : GB2RS100607A
Read: GUEST
Subj: MAIN NEWS - 10 Jun 07 1/11
Path: DB0FHN<DB0MRW<DK0WUE<7M3TJZ<HG8LXL<CX2SA<GB7CIP<GB7COV<GB7COV<GB2RS
Sent: 070608/1704Z @:GB2RS.GB7COV.#29.GBR.EU
From: GB2RS@GB7COV.#29.GBR.EU
To : NEWS@WW
* British ARDF Championships go well
* Centenary of Marconi's Clifden station
* Club marks Amelia Earhart's solo Atlantic flight
* Scouting's Sunrise with Amateur Radio
* Repeater Management Committee Vacancy
* Falkland Remembrance Weekend
* New workshop for Amateur Satellite Service
* RSGB HQ examination session - 20 July
* Ofcom put online licensing helpsheet on the web
* Amateur Radio Full Licensees - Special Research Permits
* RSGB & IARU Respond to 10GHz Auction
* Rallies and Events
* Special Event News
British ARDF Championships go well
.
The British ARDF Championships were held over the Spring Bank Holiday
weekend as part of a three day International Festival of ARDF and
attracted visitors from Germany, China and Kazakhstan.
RSGB president Angus Annan visited on the second day. In spite of poor
weather, the participants set out with determination to find their
allotted hidden transmitters which had been placed in Bucknell Woods,
Shropshire. Angus presented the new 3.5 MHz ARDF trophy to Michael
Dunbar, RS195082, whose time on the M40 course was the fastest of the day
for the host country participants.
Centenary of Marconi's Clifden station
.
This year marks the centennial of those first sparks generated from
Marconi's historic Clifden station. To commemorate this event W8HC
has announced a special amateur radio operation from both locations
central to Marconi's fame and success as a pioneer in wireless
technology.
Ballycastle-Rathlin was his first wireless telegraph station and the
Clifden station was his last, ceasing operation in 1922. In 1907,
Guglielmo Marconi's dream of fixed point-to-point wireless
telegraph stations linking North America and Europe became a reality.
Derrygimla near Clifden, County Galway served as the site of his wireless
station. Over the next 15 years, spark-induced blue flashes generated by
the station's massive 20 kV generators sent tens of thousands of
wireless messages across the Atlantic, linking to its North American
counterpart at Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
On August 4 and 5 Hal W8HC will operate from Ballycastle as GI/W8HC/p. He
will also be taking part in the annual Marconi Festival at Ballycastle
with the Marconi Radio Group's MNØMRG special event station on 5
and 6 of August, he will ferry over to Rathlin Island (EU-122) and
operate from East Lighthouse (ARLS designator NTI 011). He will arrive in
Clifden on 8 August where he will operate as EI/W8HC/p at the Derrygimla
site on 9 and 10 August. It is hoped that some operating time can also
occur from nearby Letterfrack, site of an ancillary receive station built
in 1912 to allow for full duplex operation of the transatlantic signals.
All QSOs will be confirmed via Log of The World and special QSLs from
each of these historic Marconi locations will be printed and sent via
GlobalQSL www.globalqsl.com. In addition, a specially designed
certificate will be issued to those stations making contact with both GI
and EI operations from either Ballycastle or Rathlin and Derrygimla or
Letterfrack.
Club marks Amelia Earhart's solo Atlantic flight
Foyle and District Local Amateur Radio Club recently linked up with an
amateur radio group in the Newfoundland on the 75th anniversary of
aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart's solo Atlantic crossing.
She took off from Harbour Grace airfield en route to Paris and despite a
gruelling passage and storms she landed safely in Gallagher's field
at Ballyarnett on 21 May 1932.
A live link up was set up on 20 to 21 May with their counterparts in
Newfoundland where the epic flight began. The amateur radio group in
Conception Bay and Harbour Grace added a further historic dimension to
the event as they transmitted on vintage radio equipment from their local
museum. Civic dignitaries, including the Mayor of Habour Grace, sent good
wishes to the people of Derry.
Scouting's Sunrise with Amateur Radio
On 24 July to 8 August both the 21st World Scout Jamboree in Chelmsford
in the United Kingdom and Brownsea Island will be on the air with their
own fully equipped amateur radio stations. Both will offer a radio
programme to the participating Scouts. The stations are operated by an
international team of Scout radio amateurs.
During the Sunrise Ceremony on 1 August, GB100J will have a central role
in connecting the world together. It will be part of the Sunrise Network.
The staff at GB100J offer a full radio-scouting set of activities to all
Jamboree participants. The station is located at the Central Plaza of the
camp site and will be active on all HF bands. Arrangements are being made
for a contact with the International Space Station on one of its passes
over the Jamboree.
Repeater Management Committee Vacancy
Following the resignation of Bill Mahoney, G3TZM, after 21 years service
to the Repeater Management Committee, a new committee member is sought
for the West Midlands Area.
The Chairman and Members of the RMC would wish to place on record their
sincere thanks to Bill for his long and loyal service to the repeater
community and wish him all the very best for the future.
Duties of committee members include dealing with all repeater issues in
their area, advising on feasibility and vetting of proposals, liaison
with local repeater groups, representing the RMC at rallies and
attendance at RMC meetings.
Those RSGB members interested in applying for this interesting position
should send their CV detailing experience in amateur radio and
particularly in respect of repeaters to John McCullagh, GI4BWM, the RMC
Chairman. John can be contacted by email at gi4bwm@ukrepeater.net or by
post via RSGB HQ. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 July.
Falkland Remembrance Weekend
Falkland Remembrance Weekend takes place next weekend 16/17th June,
marking its 25th anniversary.
The Firepower Museum, located in the former Royal Arsenal site at
Woolwich will be holding a special display over the weekend, including
visits from vehicles similar to those involved.
GB2FR will be operated on HF and VHF by the Museum Station, by members of
the museum club station from 10am on Saturday 16th until 4pm on Sunday
17th.
QSL Cards and certificates will also be available for working this unique
special event call.
Visitors are most welcome on site and will be extended the courtesy of
the microphone if they bring their identification with them. There is a
free museum car park adjacent to the Museum.
New workshop for Amateur Satellite Service
AMSAT UK appreciate that space communications may seem daunting to many
new amateurs so they have organised a special beginners workshop which
will show how to get started in this exciting aspect of amateur radio.
The beginners workshop will be held as part of the AMSAT UK 22nd
International Space Colloquium to be held at the University of Surrey,
Guildford, from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July.
From 2002 until 2006 AMSAT UK campaigned to get Foundation licence
holders access to the Amateur Satellite Service. At the end of last year
the UK regulator Ofcom agreed to allow Foundation holders full access to
the Amateur Satellite Service following detailed negotiations with the
RSGB.
.
This new privilege enables Foundation holders to speak directly to
Astronauts on the International Space Station and communicate around the
world on VHF and UHF via the rapidly growing number of Amateur Radio
Satellites.
The event is open to all radio amateurs and SWL's. You do not need to be
an AMSAT-UK member. Either day passes or full packages comprising
overnight accommodation and meals at the University are available. There
is an online booking service and PayPal, Visa and Master Card payments
are accepted. For more details contact Jim Heck on G3WGM on 01258 453959.
RSGB HQ examination session - 20 July
The RSGB are happy to announce that they will be providing an examination
session at RSGB HQ on Friday 20th July 2007 to coincide with the July
Advanced Examination.
We are also able to run Foundation and Intermediate examinations on this
day but practical assessments must be completed beforehand.
If you are interested in attending then please contact
rce.dept@rsgb.org.uk no later than 22 June.
Ofcom put online licensing helpsheet on the web
.
Following the introduction of the Lifetime Licence and online licensing
system in December 2006, Ofcom have recently made available a guide on
how to use their online system.
The comprehensive document, which runs to fifteen pages, is presented as
a pdf file and has step-by-step instructions on how to use all the online
features. It includes specific instructions on the areas of the system
which have caused particular confusion to users, such as the need to
edit' your details to force the system to generate your licence.
The document, entitled "User Guide for Amateur Radio Applicants", can be
downloaded from the Help and Guidance section of the Ofcom web site at
www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing/olc/guidance/.
Amateur Radio Full Licensees - Special Research Permits
in the region of 501 kHz
.
Ofcom has decided to permit a limited number of Amateur Radio Full
licensees to operate under a Special Research Permit between 501 and 504
kHz for a 12 month period commencing from 1 March 2007.
This follows representations made by the Radio Society of Great Britain
and negotiations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Special Research Permits under a Notice of Variation to the Licence may
be made available to holders of Full Amateur Licences on a case by case
basis to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in
experimentation at these frequencies and provide adequate supporting
documentation for assessment.
Due to the usage of the spectrum around 500 kHz, applicants should pay
special attention to demonstrating technical and operational competence
in terms of transmitting within the frequency and Effective Radiated
Power (e.r.p.) parameters agreed with Ofcom. Previous experience at 73
kHz as well as 136 kHz will be considered desirable in this respect to
ensure adequate steps are taken to limit any potential interference.
Ofcom will monitor any interference reports with a view to limiting
numbers in the use of the band if necessary. In general, considerably
lower e.r.p. levels than that permitted in the 136 kHz band are likely to
be favourable and this will only be permitted where it can be
demonstrated that increased powers are necessary for research. On no
account will an e.r.p. level of greater than - 10 dBW be permitted
under any circumstance.
The standard application form (OfW306) for a Special Research Permit can
be downloaded at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applicatio
ns/ofw306.pdf
Form OfW306 is also available on request from the Ofcom Licensing Centre
at:
Ofcom Licensing Centre
Amateur Radio
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3131
You can also find more information on the RSGB Spectrum Forum website at:
http://www.rsgb-spectrumforum.org.uk/mf.htm
RSGB & IARU Respond to 10GHz Auction
.
RSGB and IARU Region-1 are continuing their defence of the 10GHz band.
Their responses to the latest Ofcom consultation on the Spectrum auction
can be found on the Ofcom website at
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/10-40GHz/responses/.
The RSGB & IARU responses are the second formal submission on this topic
and continues the joint effort in conjunction with affiliated societies
including AMSAT-UK, the UK Microwave Group and the British Amateur
Television Group BATC. Ofcom plans would have potentially serious
consequences for innovative developments by the Amateur Satellite Service.
Rallies and Events
On Sunday 10 June the Elvaston Castle National Radio Rally takes place
from 9am at Elvaston Castle Country Park, Elvaston, Derby. Details from
Les on 01332 559965 or on the web at www.elvastonrally.co.uk.
On Sunday 17 June the Newbury and District ARS rally and boot sale takes
place from 9.30 at the Newbury Showground, near M4 Junction 13. Email
carboot@nadars.org.uk for more information.
On Sunday 17 June the East Suffolk Wireless Revival takes place from 9.30
at Suffolk Showground, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich. More details from John,
G3XDY, on 01473 717830 or Steve, M1ACB, on 07720 412648.
More details of these and future events can be found on the Rallies and
Events page.
Special Event News
GB25FC is the special event call sign that will be active until 18 June
to commemorate 25 years since the end of the Falklands conflict. Up to
four independent stations working from the Wyke Regis Amateur Radio
Training Centre. They will be using Morse, SSB, digital modes, RTTY SSTV
& UI-View, and there will also be a station working through the local
radio internet links. Anyone who is licensed and would like to help work
one or more of the stations is invited to contact the organisers by email
to gb25fc@wykeradio.org.
GB1EPC will be active until 28 June to celebrate the European PSK Club
1st birthday. EPC number is EPC#2000. The station will be setup at Bridge
Street in Glasgow. Anyone is welcome to operate at the station - PSK
modes only of course. QSL cards via MM0DFV.
Roger Greengrass, G4NRG, plans to operate as GM4NRG/P from the Isle of
Lismore Scotland, EU-008, until 15 June. He will try and put a spot on
the DX cluster when operational. Operation will be on HF and 6m, holiday
style, on SSB and digital modes. QSL via home call.
On the 10 June several members of the Marcon section of ARI in Italy will
join the operations relevant to the Museum Ships Weekend 2007, in
coordination with A.R.M.I. (Italian Mariners Radioamateurs Association).
This weekend will see the simultaneous activation of many military and
commercial ships around the world.
The Bolsover Amateur Radio Society will be operating as GB2PF on Saturday
11 and Sunday 12 August to commemorate the birthday of local man Peter
Fidler, who was a famous surveyor in Canada in the 1790s. The club
intends to operate as many bands as possible, HF, VHF and UHF, from the
new club shack located at the Coalite Sports and Social Club, Moor Lane,
Bolsover.
.
---------------------------------------
This news item was prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain
and was downloaded from http://www.rsgb.org, converted from HTML
to plain text and uploaded at GB7COV.#29.GBR.EU by G3ZFR.
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
